Trip Report - Colombia, USA (NYC) & Singapore (August 2019)

[coyote25]

Avianca AV9386
Gate: 5
Seat: 15D (Exit Row Aisle)
Plane: A320-100
Boarded: 09.38
Pushback: 09.56
Departed: 10.05 (Scheduled 09.43)
Arrived: 10.54 (Scheduled 10.50)
Duration: 49 minutes
Distance: 473 kms

Before this flight I had my wallet stolen via a pickpocket (I’m assuming I might have lost it but doubtful). While the domestic check in area was fairly chaotic having this happen is more on me. The good aspect is I always travel with backup funds. Thinking about it an airport is a great place to steal from someone as they likely need to catch a plane like I had to so while I had time to speak to Airport Security no time to make a police report before leaving. Anyway take it as a warning to be careful at the José María Córdova International Airport.

Our tour group was allowed to use the Business Class checkin line after originally lining up on the very lengthy and slow moving economy line. Clearing security was easy and quick, just show you boarding pass and and id (passport for me) and take out tablets or laptops for scanning. No need to take off shoes.

We boarded last and a little late due to late arriving plane. Boarding was via an a

The Avianca A320-100 Economy Class seats are arranged in a 3-3 configuration. Economy seats are 17.8 inches wide and have 31 inches of legroom. I was randomly allocated an exit row seat so I had significantly increased legroom. There is no meals on this short flight but Avianca did offer coffee, water or a juice (which I choose). There was a small video touch screen in the back of the seat but I didn’t use it one this short flight.

There was no turbulence for this flight and we arrived slightly behind schedule. We left the plane via stairs onto the tarmac. Bags, or at least my bag, took a long time to arrive, which given the stolen wallet I was very happy to eventually see.

Verdict: A very simple and short flight, nothing to complain about but nothing to praise (aside from free exit row seat!)

Full flight review.

 

[coyote25]

Avianca AV9386 Photos

 

[coyote25]

Cartagena, Colombia – Hotel Cartagena Royal Inn (3 nights)

A small boutique hotel that’s is located close to the old town city centre. The room included a minibar (with room to put drinks), shower, safety deposit box, iron, private bathroom, flat-screen TV (cable) and air conditioning (needed in this warm climate location).

You have to book your breakfast the day before (don’t forget) with a good range of options including American, English and Spanish breakfast. Breakfast is taken on 4th floor terrace with great views of the city. The hotel is located on a one way street so if being dropped off you have to move quickly as there is no stoping point. A supermarket, pharmac_ and general shops are in same street as the hotel so very convenient.

Typical Hotel Cartagena Royal Inn price: $65 AUD per night.

 

[coyote25]

Cartagena, Colombia Review

I was in Cartagena for 3 days which has a beautiful old town and was the most tourist place I visited while in Colombia. This was the midway point of the tour, for some people this was the end of their tour with several new members joining on day 2.

During my stay in Cartagena I undertook an old town visit, spend a day in the Islas del Rosario National Park on a small island (getting sunburnt in the end!), visited the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Fortress), experienced the The Mercado de Bazurto (local market) which was very eye opening due to the poverty in that area, marvelled at the Calle Agnosto (alley of umbrellas) and the Gestsemani street art, and attempted to connect (unsuccessfully) with a higher power San Pedro Claver Church, Cartagena Cathedral.

The old town of Cartagena is stunning, and the tourist highlights make you think this is a very blessed area however the reality check by visiting a local market used by the poorest resident was an important reality check. Cartagena was also by far the most expensive part of Colombia I guess not surprising since most tourist visit here. I did enjoy swimming in Caribbean ocean when in the Islas del Rosario National Park although I should have applied suncream to my entire body (missed some places on my chest).

This was also the city that I had a slightly upset stomach, something I didn’t really throw until after I returned to Australia almost 10 days later. It wasn’t a major problem but at the same time ignoring.

Cartagena Blog entries.

 

[craven morehead]

Avianca AV9386
Gate: 5
Seat: 15D (Exit Row Aisle)
Plane: A320-100
Boarded: 09.38
Pushback: 09.56
Departed: 10.05 (Scheduled 09.43)
Arrived: 10.54 (Scheduled 10.50)
Duration: 49 minutes
Distance: 473 kms

Before this flight I had my wallet stolen via a pickpocket (I’m assuming I might have lost it but doubtful). While the domestic check in area was fairly chaotic having this happen is more on me. The good aspect is I always travel with backup funds. Thinking about it an airport is a great place to steal from someone as they likely need to catch a plane like I had to so while I had time to speak to Airport Security no time to make a police report before leaving. Anyway take it as a warning to be careful at the José María Córdova International Airport.

Our tour group was allowed to use the Business Class checkin line after originally lining up on the very lengthy and slow moving economy line. Clearing security was easy and quick, just show you boarding pass and and id (passport for me) and take out tablets or laptops for scanning. No need to take off shoes.

We boarded last and a little late due to late arriving plane. Boarding was via an a

The Avianca A320-100 Economy Class seats are arranged in a 3-3 configuration. Economy seats are 17.8 inches wide and have 31 inches of legroom. I was randomly allocated an exit row seat so I had significantly increased legroom. There is no meals on this short flight but Avianca did offer coffee, water or a juice (which I choose). There was a small video touch screen in the back of the seat but I didn’t use it one this short flight.

There was no turbulence for this flight and we arrived slightly behind schedule. We left the plane via stairs onto the tarmac. Bags, or at least my bag, took a long time to arrive, which given the stolen wallet I was very happy to eventually see.

Verdict: A very simple and short flight, nothing to complain about but nothing to praise (aside from free exit row seat!)

Full flight review.

Bugger !!

 

[coyote25]

Minca, Colombia – Hotel Minca La Casona (1 night)

Nice classical and rustic hotel in this fairly remote area (used to be gateway to drug growing area).

The room included a fan, wardrobe and a private bathroom (with hot water), a shower and toilet. WiFi available throughout the complex (medium to slow speed). The restaurant area overlooks a vast green landscape with hummingbirds flying around. Breakfast was included with several options that can be ordered (not a buffet). Property also has a pool however no one used this small pool.

Typical Hotel Minca La Casona price: $51 AUD per night

 

[coyote25]

Minca, Colombia Review

My tour group was in Minca for a day and half which was very eventful. This area being the former gateway to one of the biggest drug growing areas in Colombia. Minca is right on the edge of the wilderness of Colombia with the roads becoming rougher, the forests denser and the mountains and hills more rugged. I really felt like I was on the edge of the wilderness when in Minca.

I’d say some of the 4WD rides in this area were hair raising but I don’t really have any hair these days!

During my time in this area I visited two stunning waterfalls, Marinka Waterfall and the Azul Waterfall, both of which required hikes to see their beauty which always makes it more worth it. I also visited the La Victoria Coffee Farm, which I didn’t really get much value out of due to the guide talking so quickly (at least he had a lot of passion for coffee!) and the Casa Elemento home to the largest hammock in the world apparently, all I know is it was a long way down when our group went out onto the hammock.

Another nice bonus experience was on the second day in Minca when there was an intense topical rainstorm. A nice experience given I was under cover and just observing instead of trying to find cover . There is nothing like the smell of nature both during an intense rainstorm and immediately after when a forest comes to life.

Minca Blog posts

 

[coyote25]

Taganga, Colombia – Hotel Ocean Taganga (1 night)

Nice hotel which was not far from the beach however there was lots of road construction to walk around and we were told to stick to main roads around hotel especially at night.

Free Wifi available in room (reasonable speed). TV, shower (no hot water but not needed in this climate) and air conditioning (very much needed). Breakfast was included which you ordered In hotel open air courtyard with it taking around 10 minutes to be prepared. Hotel offered a one day turn around laundry service which was fairly cheap (and they did a good job).

Typical Hotel Ocean Taganga price: $35 AUD per night

 

[coyote25]

Taganga, Colombia Review

Taganga is an old fishing village that as grown with an explosion of backpacker accommodations and the resulting focus on backpacker services including cheap exclusions and easy access to beer and I suspect other drug related products

I didn’t really do much in Taganga however the view of the Taganga Bay from the mountainside overlooking the town was nice and the beach looked inviting and I was told that the water was enjoyable but really I did nothing but stroll around town and relax during this short stay in Taganga enjoying the warm weather.

Taganga Blog Entries.
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[coyote25]

Tayrona, Colombia- Posada Villa Margarita (2 nights)

Beautiful villa style property with a great view of the oceans and very close to Tayrona National Park and therefore you feel part of nature with ocean on one side and trees on all the others.

The room included private bathroom with shower (hot and cold water), balcony outside room with seating to look at nature around the hotel, fan (but no air conditioning in this warm area), and mosquito net (needed). Breakfast was included. A great pool that overlooked the ocean. Note that there is a steep climb from the parking area to get to reception.

Typical Posada Villa Margarita price: $68 AUD per night

 

[coyote25]

Tayrona, Colombia Review

This stop was the highlight of the second week of the tour even if it almost killed me when hiking the stunning Tayrona National Park mostly along the coast up and down small hills. While there are structures to walk on at different points to limit tourist damage to the environment it was still very difficult given the warmer and humid temperatures. But wow was this worth it!

During the hike we came across some indigenous people who sell coconuts so hiker can get access to coconut water to cool down. Our local guide interacted with the indigenous people and explained their history.

Cabo San Juan de Guía beach at the furtherest point of the hike as beautiful, while I might have been delirious at this point I don’t think so looking back at the photos. Nature at it’s best. Just watch out for the monkeys, who will be happy to steal belongings, and the different lizards.

I was however very exhausted at the end of the 5 hour hike. Big recommendation drink a lot before and during this hike.

Tayrona Blog entries.

 

[coyote25]

Santa Marta, Colombia – Hotel Tayromar (1 night)

Beautiful and centrally located hotel which only 5 minute walk to the local night life and key attractions.

The room included a minibar, shower, safety deposit box, telephone, air conditioning (very much needed), private bathroom, flat-screen TV, key card, free fast wifi available in room. There was a nice crafts market just across the street from hotel and small convenience stores nearby. I was located on the ground floor near the reception area but it was still quiet enough to sleep. If on other floor (I think it goes up to 4th floor) you have to use the stairs.

Breakfast was included but I had to leave too early to try it out. The taxi to the airport took around 35 minutes with no traffic so keep this in mind when flying out of Santa Marta from this location.

Typical Hotel Tayromar price: $40-45 AUD per night

 

[coyote25]

Santa Marta, Colombia Review

I was only in Santa Marta for one full day but still got to experience some of the tourist attractions. In particular since our hotel was centrally located got to explore the historical centre including churches, public squares, the beach and the Gold Museum (free entry).

One of the interesting things was seeing the transformation of Santa Marta from the day time to the night time as it went from very few people to lots of people everywhere including locals selling their wares of the street. There is definitely a lot of night life in the Centro Historico district of Santa Marta and the Ocean Mall.

A good leaving point for the tour. Interestingly the Simon Bolivar (Santa Marta) International Airport is right on a beach and there were definitely travellers enjoying the beach before checking in for their flight in this laid back area.

After two weeks it was time to leave Colombia and I have to say I really enjoyed this country more then I expected, in particular the first week of the tour including Medellín which I loved.

Santa Marta Blog Entry

 

[coyote25]

Flight Review - Santa Marta to Bogota (Domestic Flight)

Avianca
Gate: 5
Seat: 26A (Economy Window)
Plane: A319
Boarded: 07.34
Pushback: 08.10
Arrived: 09.24 (Scheduled 09.40)
Duration: 1 hour 14 minutes
Distance: 710 kms

This was the first leg of two flights to get to New York City, USA with this Colombian domestic flight from Simon Bolivar International Airport (Santa Marta) to El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá).

This airport is located right next to a beach that it appeared some travellers were using to relax on before checking in for their flight. I did have some issues checking for this flight and language barrier wasn’t helping. Luckily I checked in at the some time as a member from the Colombian tour I just completed whose native language was Spanish. In the end it turned out the problem was not having an exit flight from USA on the same trip itinerary. Even with a native Spanish speaker it still took a while to resolve. My bag was eventually checked out the way though to the final destination in New York.

This isn’t a huge airport by any means but have reasonable support services. Obviously would be a little more comfortable if you could access the only Lounge the Avianca VIP lounge which I didn’t have access to.

Priority boarding worked well, and as I was in the second last group I got to witness how it worked. The flight was very full with around 90% of seats taken. No meal service was provided but there was a water and coffee service. All economy seats had entertainment screen to keep you entertained although I only only watched the flight map opting to listen to music on my iPhone.

The plane appeared to be in good condition and the Economy seats at 17.8 inches wide and with 31 inches of legroom Was enough for this short domestic flight.

On arrival we exited into the baggage claim area. I cleared airside security in Bogotá and walked to the International area in the same terminal. In summary a nice flight.

Full review here.

 

[coyote25]

Flight Review - Bogota to New York (JKF)

Avianca
Gate: 41
Seat: 34A (Economy Window)
Plane: A330-200
Boarded: 12.26
Pushback: 13.31
Departed: (Scheduled 13.00)
Arrived: 19.40 (Scheduled 19.55)
Duration: 5 hour 9 minutes
Distance: 3,981 kms

This was the second leg of two flights to get to New York City, USA. I had a 3 hour 20 minute transit between the domestic flight and the international flight. This flight was from the El Dorado International Airport (Bogotá) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York).

After 2 weeks in Colombia it was time to leave. Security was quick and efficient And this time I was allowed to keep my shoes on for the scan and only had to remove my iPad into a tray. Immigration was very quick, Colombia is obviously happy to have me leave their country

The airside area contained a range of food options and stores. There are two main food courts both serving basically the same food There is free, fast and unlimited wifi available in the airport general area.

Priority boarding didn’t really work unlike all the other flights I caught inside Colombia as there wasn’t an clear lines. And after boarding started we waited in the air bridge for at least 8 minutes. It appears we started the boarding process before the plane was ready so no a good start for the crew.

The Avianca A330 Economy Class seats are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Economy seats are 17 inches wide and have 31 inches of legroom. The seat included a Seat Back Entertainment Screen. There was no USB to charge devices. There was a blanket left on each seat for this evening arrival flight but wasn’t really needed.

The security videos, and all announcements, were first made in Spanish and then English. The flight offered a lunch Service about an hour into the flight with an option of either beef or pasta (I selected beef) served with a small salad and Nestle Morenitas.

On this medium haul flight I used the entertainment system to watch some TV Shows and a movie but I kept coming back to the interactive flight map.

Once we landed at JFK it took considerable time to get to our gate but boy was it fun watching the similarly endless planes landing and taking off as the sun was fading away. The most unbelievable but of this journey was it only took 5 minutes to get though Immigration I didn’t know that was ever possible entering the USA! My bag that was checked though from Santa Marta arrived almost the same time as I got to the claims area. Very efficient.

Overall a good flight option from Bogota to New York, actually the entire Santa Marta-Bogota-New York flights worked well although if there was a direct option from Santa Marta it would have been even better.

Full Flight Review

 

[coyote25]

New York City, USA - Hilton Times Square (4 nights)

The last hotel of this trip was in the heart of Manhattan, right near Times Square and Theatre District and located on 42 street.

This was a huge very clean room that included a minibar, shower, safety deposit box, telephone, air conditioning private bathroom, waiting desk, multiple comfortable chairs, reading lights, flat-screen TV (cable TV), key card, free fast wifi was included with room booking. The bed was enormous and very comfortable. Never heard a sound from outside the room. Housing cleaning did a great job everyday.

The only downside for this stay was one of the two lifts from the ground floor to reception was out of commission leading to several long waits and packed lifts at peak times. This room booking didn’t include breakfast.

Very nice and central hotel which reasonable price for Manhatta.

Room Booked: King Bed, City View
Cost: $311.49 AUD per night (includes taxes)

 

[coyote25]

New York City, USA Review

The last leg of this trip was to one of the only cities in the world I’m happy to return to, New York City. It was almost 20 years (December 1999 - January 2000 for Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day) since my first visit as a backpacker where I fell in love with this giant city despite not being a big city person. Back then finding comedy venues at 2 am and enjoying pizza at 4 am when finding my way back to hostel obviously imprinted on my. These days I’m staying in hotels like the Hilton.

This time I visited for 4 nights and this visit was timed so I could visit the US Open (tennis) leaving only French Open to attend for the Grand Slam.

I took the opportunity to 20 years later visit the World Trade Centre area, obviously very different then the first time I attended before the world changing events of September 11, 2001. I went on a 5 hour+ 9/11 Experience guided tour (for first 2 hours). We started at St Paul’s Chapel and from there visited The Oculus, 9/11 Memorial Pools, The National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Survival Tree, and the giant One World Building and the Observatory overlooking the city. I recall watching the events that eventful day back in Australia late at night. I’ve previously consume a lot of media and papers on what occurred but still going into the museum and seeing the destruction of surviving artefacts and listening to some of the phones calls and radio discussions was moving. A number of people had to leave the museum distraught which is understandable. I was impressed by the choices that have made in reconstructing this area, in particular the Oculus is very unique.

Being in New York means you have to visit Broadway shows, the best live theatre in the world overall. On this occasion I went to Phantom of the Opera and the award winning and highly entertaining Hamilton. Hamilton cost a lot to see but you only live once and as a student of history, one of the reasons I travel, it was fascinating to see how they bought the story of this important, but previously underrated, individual and events of this time to life. Imagine how many more people would read up on historical events if they had more gateway entertainment like this show!

The other major event was to visit the US Open. As someone who really enjoys tennis and still regularly plays this was an enjoyable day. I had bought a ground pass for Day 2 and it’s definitely priced for middle class or above. While I didn’t see any of the big name players I still enjoyed the day. Key takeaways For US Open; very patriotic event playing US National Anthem before play on each court even without any US players scheduled, and television rules the event with massive stands from a large range of TV and PayTV stations dominating the main square (EPSN being the biggest). Really highlighted how much bigger the US Open is to the world than the Australian Open seeing some many international stations.

The last major event in NYC was a visit to Harlem and attending a Gospel experience with all the energy and ‘Jesus saves me’ messages the even for non-believers would still get you clapping. Extra bonus was seeing local highlights in this area like the Apollo.

Lastly, once you understand it, the Subway system is great for getting around NYC including from JFK Airport. I did have one Subway ‘experience’ of a drunk and probably mentally unstable individual sitting next to me on one long ride. Everyone was trying to avoid ear contact with this individual but I did get some sympathy looks at me for having to sit next to an individual who had alcohol coming out of his mouth as he was speaking incoherently. I took it as a New York experience

New York City Blog Entries.

 

[coyote25]

Virgin Atlantic New York (JFK) Clubhouse Review

Located airside in JFK’s Terminal 4 beyond the TSA checkpoint, in the A-Concourse and above boarding gates A4 and A5 I found this lounge to either be a great Business Class lounge or a fairly good First Class lounge. I got to access this lounge due to my later award First Class Singapore Airlines flight. I checked in for my 8.55 pm 5 hours early (checkin opens 6 hours before SQ25) which is good given I had to check out from my hotel a noon.

This is a significant sized lounge with natural light and provides good views of the airport runways, in particular Virgin Atlantic flights that leave from nearby gates. There is a range of unique and funky seats from standard seats to sofas to armchairs and booth seats. While there were a lot of passengers in the lounge for my entire time here I was always able to find a seat.

The staff were very attentive looking to provide whatever services you required including ordering from the la carte menu without needing to be sitting in the restaurant area. Beyond Burger with vanilla ice cream for my late lunch. On returning to the lounge after an extended walk around the lounge I tried the buffalo wings and strawberry ice cream.

This funky style lounge has a billiard table as well There is a spa service, where you can have a massage, beauty treatment. These services are complimentary (for a 15 minute treatment) for Virgin and Delta customers, as a SIA PAX I could have paid but didn’t.

A very nice lounge and a good place for an extended stay.

Full Lounge Review.

 

[coyote25]

Flight Review - New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (SQ25)

Singapore Airlines
Gate: 7A
Seat: 3A (First Window)
Plane: A380-800
Boarded: 20.15
Pushback: 20.54
Departed: 21.31 (Scheduled 20.55)
Arrived: 10.14 (Scheduled 10.40)
Duration: 7 hour 20 minutes
Distance: 6,206 kms

This was the first leg of three flights being JFK-FRA-SIN-MEL on Singapore Airlines First Class in both a A380 (old configuration) and B777. I booked these flights back in September 2018 as a saver award costing 152,000 points and these flights would be my second international first class experience after 2017 Emirates award booking MEL-SIN-DBX-NBO on mixture of A380 and B777. I was interested in whether the Emirates First Class experience (including an inflight shower) would rate against Singapore First Class experience.

The flight experience became well with Airport Check in Terminal 4. Singapore Airlines opens up their check-in desks 6 hours before departure at JFK and I checked in about 5 hours before the flight. Security took around 35 minutes and they used sniffer dogs while you were in line. As above I got to use the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse before this flight.

Priority boarding was great with only 5 minute are leaving the lounge I was guided to my First Class suite in 3A. First Class seats are arranged by two rows of 1-1 (no centre seats) and two rows 1-2-1 with 12 seats overall. To turn the seat into a bed you need a staff member to make the bed. The bed, while being on the hard side, is still great with a lot of leg room and the two pillows provided were exceptionally soft and comfortable. I managed around 2 hours sleep on this 7 hour flight.

The amenity kit included associated facial creams and a candle (not to be used on the plane). You are also given slippers, nice pyjamas and facial mask to aid sleeping. As I was flying home I got to keep all these goodies (and I’m still enjoying the pyjamas) unlike my Emirates First Class Experience.

During the flight I tried Krug, Dom Perignon, Coca Cola and water. During this flight we had both Dinner shortly after departure and Continental Breakfast about 2 hours before arrival in Frankfurt. Using the Book the Cook service there were 15 dinner meal choices. For this flight I had selected the stir fried chicken in Chinese wine which was very nice. For breakfast I ordered scrambled eggs and fruit platter.

The service was first rate. All staff members were friendly, warm and professional at the same time, they called me by my name and several times they checked in to ensure everything was going right. I asked for a Singapore Airlines bear as a gift for my niece and was provided with one immediately. My jacket were hang up and provided back at the end of the flight.

The KrisWorld entertainment system was massive and I very much enjoyed all the options across my three flights. Very much a plus for SIA.

This was an excellent flight. Singapore Airlines is in the process of updating their First Class product on A380 to having fewer seats / suites but this now ten year old product is still a brilliant product and the soft product / service is exceptional.

Full Flight Review.

 

[coyote25]

Lounge Review - Lufthansa Frankfurt Senator Lounge (Terminal 1)

I gained access to this lounge by flying Singapore Airlines First Class (SQ25 Frankfurt to Singapore) during a 1 hour 50 minute stopover following the first leg (SQ25 New York to Frankfurt). All First Class passengers were escorted from the plane to this lounge.

This lounge is located airside Terminal 1 near Gate B42.

Lounge Trip: Make sure you go straight to Spa & Shower counter and book your shower immediately. Even been one of the first people in the lounge it was still a wait.

The “City Lights” bar offers a very generous selection of alcoholic drinks and freshly brewed coffee and freshly squeezed juices Along with a limited buffet range (I had the scrambled eggs). The natural light in the early morning was nice especially given how tired I was feeling at this point. There was reasonable speed wifi and lots of seating.

The shower was very welcome. Given the limited time and how tired I was I didn’t fully take advance of the lounge.

Full Lounge Review.